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Endowment Fund Expands Support for Students
MTSU’s University Honors College has long been a beacon for academic excellence, innovative thinking, and student success. With more than 1,000 students enrolled in the Honors College—and only 140 of those designated as Buchanan Fellows— the need for increased financial support has never been greater.
Thanks to the creation of the Honors College Excellence Endowment, the Honors College is now better positioned to provide transformative opportunities for a wider range of its talented student body.
WHAT IS AN ENDOWMENT?
An endowment is a long-term investment fund managed by the MTSU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. When someone contributes to the endowment, their donation is invested, and the income generated supports students year after year. This means your gift today can impact students for generations to come. Because the principal is preserved, the endowment provides sustainable funding—independent of state or federal budget fluctuations—that fuels Honors College initiatives such as scholarships, conference travel, research, and study abroad opportunities.
IMPACTING REAL STUDENTS
Scholarships funded by donors already make a major difference in the lives of Honors students. Emma Sutt, the first recipient of the Jeff Whorley Scholarship, was recognized for her academic excellence and commitment to Honors coursework. Similarly, Ethan Estes, awarded the new Mary Wilgus Honors Scholarship, is pursuing a degree in one of the designated fields supported by the fund: history, economics, or finance. These awards help reduce the financial burdens of higher education, freeing students to focus on learning, research, and service.
“This endowment enables us to offer Buchanan-level experiences to the more than 900 Honors students who are not Buchanan Fellows,” said Honors College Dean John R. Vile. “From scholarships to research support and international education, the Excellence Endowment ensures that students from all walks of life have access to high-impact educational experiences.”
WAYS TO GIVE
There are three impactful ways to contribute to the Honors College Excellence Endowment:
1. Make an Annual Gift—Even small recurring donations can add up to a big impact over time.
2. Create Your Own Named Scholarship or Endowment—Donors can establish funds in their names or to honor loved ones, tailoring support to specific student needs or fields of study.
3. Donate Through Your Estate or Will Bequest—Planning a gift through your estate can leave a lasting legacy For information on how to include the Honors College in your estate plans, email katie.enzor@mtsu.edu.
WHY IT MATTERS
As state and federal support for higher education faces uncertainty, the Honors College Excellence Endowment provides a reliable source of funding that can’t be taken away. This ensures Honors students have access to essential academic and professional development opportunities— now and in the future.
All contributions are tax-deductible and go directly to supporting Honors students and their academic growth.
The Honors College manages multiple endowments. Support the next generation of scholars, leaders, and changemakers.
Visit mtsu.edu/supporthonors to make a gift to the Honors College Excellence Endowment or any of the other options.
